§ 16. Mr. CallaghanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what costs of disability will be covered by payments from the Independent Living Fund; and if claimants will be routinely referred to the social fund.
§ Mr. ScottThe Independent Living Fund is primarily intended to help severely disabled people on low incomes with the cost of employing personal care or domestic assistance. The eligibility criteria which were published on 31 March also empower the trustees to take into account a number of factors, including other care needs, in 79W determining the level of payments to individuals. I expect the trustees will wish to inform applicants of their possible entitlement to other forms of help where appropriate. However the social fund cannot make payments for domestic assistance and respite care.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects the first payment to be made from the Independent Living Fund; and what arrangements for interim payments he has made.
§ Mr. ScottI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Members for Kirkcaldy (Dr. Moonie) and for Barnsley, West (Mr. Patchett) earlier today.